How to Become a Nurse
Some advance preparation is needed to be ready to enter nursing training. You must have a high school diploma or General Educational Development passing score before applying to nursing school. If you are still a high school student, take classes such as biology, algebra, chemistry, and physics to better prepare yourself for nursing school. You should also take other basic classes, such as English and history. Of course, you must work hard to attain a high GPA to enhance your chances of acceptance at a good nursing school. Receiving good grades in high school convinces the nursing school admissions office that you can handle the rigorous course load of the nursing training.
Contact the nursing school you wish to attend to learn if there are specific admission requirements. Also learn what the procedure for application is and what the deadlines are. Many schools send acceptance letters early in your senior year, so have your materials in early.
Nursing schools also like to know that you have the temperament for nursing. Showing compassion, quick thinking, attention to detail, and ability to handle people and stress are all good traits for a nursing student and future nurse.
You will also be required to take an examination for entrance to a nursing school. Information from the school will give you details about the test and when to take it.
There are three basic ways to become an RN:
- You can follow the typical four-year college program and receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. You can earn this degree at some community colleges and at most traditional colleges and universities.
- You can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing, which takes two to three years. This degree is offered at community or technical colleges.
- The third option, the hospital diploma plan, is much less popular than it once was. It involves working at a hospital under supervisors who monitor your learning. The study might be supplemented with nonnursing courses at a community college.
To become an LPN, the course of study is shorter, about one year, and is not typically offered at traditional colleges. These courses, leading to LPN certification, are found at community or technical colleges.